XRP advocates are witnessing a dramatic shift in crypto political backing as Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss pledge a hefty $21 million to bolster Republican candidates in next year’s U.S. congressional elections. Their move exemplifies a growing alignment between certain crypto influencers and conservative lawmakers aiming to push digital asset policy forward.

Winklevoss Brothers Double Down on Trump-Aligned Crypto Policy

With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, the Winklevoss twins have openly declared their support for GOP-aligned crypto agendas. Their contribution, made in bitcoin, will fund the Digital Freedom Fund—a political action committee (PAC) backing politicians who support former President Donald Trump’s approach to digital finance.

Tyler Winklevoss emphasized the intent behind the donation, saying the Super PAC will “identify and support champions of President Trump’s crypto agenda in primary races and the midterm elections.” He warned that if Democrats gain ground in Congress, they may obstruct this policy trajectory using what he termed “bad faith tactics,” referencing events like Trump’s prior impeachments.

Industry Divides Emerge Over Partisan Crypto Backing

As co-founders of Gemini, the Winklevoss brothers have often stood at the forefront of crypto regulation discussions at the White House. Their current decision to exclusively endorse Republican candidates stands in contrast to broader efforts within the crypto industry, which typically promotes a bipartisan approach to regulatory engagement.

In the 2024 elections, crypto interest groups made record contributions through Fairshake PAC and its affiliates, investing more in political campaigns than many traditional industries. That move helped secure numerous crypto-friendly seats in Congress, accelerating passage of key bills like the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins).

Fairshake, which recently gained a $25 million injection from Coinbase, now holds $141 million in campaign spending power. Importantly, Fairshake has distributed its support across both Republican and Democratic candidates, underlining its commitment to maintaining a nonpartisan stance within the legislative landscape.

New Super PAC Marks a Strategic Shift

The new Super PAC supported solely by the Winklevosses was officially registered last month, as evidenced by FEC documents. Operating independently of any candidate campaigns, this PAC structure allows unrestricted spending, enabling massive financial backing in strategic locations like Ohio and California—key battlegrounds in previous election cycles.

This move underscores the brothers’ goal to advocate for U.S. crypto market regulation that avoids “bloated licensing regimes” and excessive oversight. Tyler Winklevoss explained that their vision opposes regulatory expansion that could suppress innovation and strengthen what he called the “Regulatory Industrial Complex.”

Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss at a political panel supporting pro-crypto regulation through GOP avenues.

Breaking Ranks on CFTC Appointment

This is not the only recent instance where the Gemini founders diverged from industry consensus. Earlier this month, Tyler Winklevoss publicly opposed Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Brian Quintenz. In stark contrast, leading crypto lobbying outfits unified in their support of the former a16z executive. They even submitted a formal appeal to the Trump campaign to ensure his confirmation advances.

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As crypto enters a new political phase, split endorsements like the Winklevoss-backed initiative reflect diverging strategies in how best to shape future digital asset frameworks. XRP stakeholders and blockchain advocates are watching closely, as partisan lines may determine the regulatory fate of the crypto sector heading into 2026.